Packaging containers having conformation induction members and methods of making and using same

ABSTRACT

Packaging containers for packaging various materials, including granular, flowable and food materials, are described herein. The packaging containers include conformation induction member(s) that are involved in controlling the contour of the filled container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 12/852,639, filed on Aug. 9, 2010; the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENTLY DISCLOSED AND CLAIMED INVENTIVE CONCEPT(S)

1. Field of the Presently Disclosed and Claimed Inventive Concept(S)

The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is related to packaging containers used for packaging various items.

2. Description of the Background Art

Packaging materials for covering various items have been known in the art for many years and have various configurations. While the prior art containers and methods for covering items using same have been widely accepted, new and improved methods for providing packaging materials, and in particular packaging containers, having improved aesthetic qualities as well as enhanced production speed, reduced tooling costs and reduced possibility of leakage, are being sought which are less costly. It is to such packaging materials and methods for producing and using same that the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is directed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an elevational view of a packaging container of the prior art.

FIGS. 1B and 1C are perspective views of the packaging container of FIG. 1A having an item disposed therein.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of another packaging container of the prior art, a lower end of said packaging container having a half-hexagonal shape.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a packaging container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), wherein the container is provided with at least two conformation induction members which extend from a sidewall thereof.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of another packaging container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), wherein the container is provided with at least two conformation induction members which extend from a lower end thereof.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of another packaging container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), wherein the packaging container is provided with at least two conformation induction members, each of which extend from a lower end thereof to a sidewall thereof.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of yet another packaging container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) and having at least two conformation induction members and a non-linear upper edge.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of yet another packaging container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) and having at least two conformation induction members and an upper portion separable from a lower portion of the packaging container via a linear detaching element.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of yet another packaging container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) and having at least two conformation induction members and an upper portion separable from a lower portion of the packaging container via a non-linear detaching element.

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of yet another packaging container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) and having at least two conformation induction members and a skirt insert/extension attached thereto.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the packaging container of FIG. 5 having an item partially disposed therein.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the packaging container and item of FIG. 10, wherein the item is almost fully disposed within the packaging container.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the packaging container and item of FIG. 11, disposed upon a support surface.

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a packaging container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), wherein the container is provided with a single conformation induction member extending from a sidewall thereof to a lower end thereof.

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of a packaging container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), wherein the container is provided with a single conformation induction member extending from a sidewall thereof.

FIG. 15 is an elevational view of a packaging container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), wherein the container is provided with a single conformation induction member extending from a sidewall thereof to a lower end thereof.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the packaging container of FIG. 13 having an item disposed therein.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the packaging container of FIG. 14 having an item disposed therein.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the packaging container of FIG. 15 having an item disposed therein.

FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of a packaging container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), wherein the container is provided with four conformation induction members.

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the packaging container of FIG. 19 having at least one item disposed therein.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the packaging container and at least one item of FIG. 20, disposed upon a support surface.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the packaging container and at least one item of FIG. 21, wherein the packaging container is secured about the at least one item via a bonding material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT(S)

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) in detail, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Unless otherwise defined herein, technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

All of the articles and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the articles and methods of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the articles and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.

The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is directed to a container for packaging at least one item. The container includes a base having an upper end, a lower end, a sidewall, an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface, and a receiving space. The sidewall is formed of a first panel and a second panel that are connected together at a first edge and a second edge, a first end and a second end when the container is in a flattened condition. The first end of the lower end is connected to the first edge of the sidewall, while the second end of the lower end is connected to the second edge of the sidewall.

The container further includes at least one conformation induction member connecting the first and second panels of the sidewall at least one point apart from the first and second edges. Thus, when an item is disposed in the container, the first and second ends of the lower end are disposed substantially below and adjacent a lower end of the item, whereby the combination of the at least one conformation induction member and the item disposed in the container substantially control the contour of the filled container. In certain embodiments, the at least one conformation induction member may be a seal or a plurality of seals.

In one embodiment, the conformation induction member is connected to the lower end at a position between the first and second ends thereof. The conformation induction member extends generally upwardly towards at least one of the first and second edges of the sidewall and connects the first and second panels of the sidewall at least one point apart from the at least one of the first and second edges.

In another embodiment, the conformation induction member extends generally downwardly from at least one of the first and second edges of the sidewall and connects the first and second panels of the sidewall at least one point apart from the at least one of the first and second edges.

In yet another embodiment, the container is provided with at least two conformation induction members. In this embodiment, a first conformation induction member extends generally downwardly from the first edge of the sidewall and connects the first and second panels of the sidewall at least one point apart from the first edge. A second conformation induction member extends generally downwardly from the second edge of the sidewall and connects the first and second panels of the sidewall at least one point apart from the second edge. In one alternative, the first and/or second conformation induction members may extend from the first/second edge of the sidewall to a position on the lower end of the container between the first and second ends thereof.

In a further embodiment, the container is provided with at least two conformation induction members that are connected to the lower end of the container. In this embodiment, a first conformation induction member is connected to the lower end at a position between the first and second ends thereof; the first conformation induction member extends generally upwardly towards the first edge of the sidewall and connects the first and second panels of the sidewall at least one point apart from the first edge of the sidewall. A second conformation induction member is connected to the lower end at a position between the second and first ends thereof; the second conformation induction member extends generally upwardly towards the second edge of the sidewall and connects the first and second panels of the sidewall at least one point apart from the second edge of the sidewall. In one alternative, the first and/or second conformation induction member may extend from the lower end to the first/second edge of the sidewall.

In yet another embodiment, the container is provided with at least three conformation induction members. The addition of multiple conformation induction members provides greater control of the contour of the lower portion of the filled container. In addition, the lower portion of the container may substantially conform to the configuration of a lower portion of the item.

The lower end of the container of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) may be provided with any configuration known in the art and/or described herein. In one embodiment, the lower end of the container may have a linear configuration.

The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is further directed to a method of packaging an item. Said method includes the steps of providing any of the containers described herein above, and disposing an item within the inner retaining space of the container. In this manner, the first and second ends of the lower end of the container are disposed substantially below and adjacent a lower end of the item, and whereby the combination of the at least one conformation induction member(s) and the item disposed in the container substantially control the contour of the filled container.

The item may be, for example but not way of limitation, a flowable material, a solid material, a liquid material, a gaseous material, a granular material, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the item may be a food product. In another embodiment, the item may be a floral item, such as but not limited to, a flower pot, floral grouping, potted plant, and the like. When the item is a floral item, the container may be further defined as a floral sleeve.

As utilized in accordance with the present disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects. The use of the term “at least one” will be understood to include one as well as any quantity more than one, including but not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, etc. The term “at least one” may extend up to 100 or 1000 or more, depending on the term to which it is attached; in addition, the quantities of 100/1000 are not to be considered limiting, as higher limits may also produce satisfactory results.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, MB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

The terms “container”, “packaging container”, “sleeve” and “bag” may be used herein interchangeably and will be understood to refer to a protective covering for holding, containing and/or protecting an item disposed therein during storage, shipment, transport and/or display of said item. In certain embodiments, the container includes a body with an interior space configured for holding and/or containing the item. In certain other embodiments, the container includes a tubular body with at least a first opening in the body that is adapted for receiving the item. The container may assume any desired shape, including but not limited to, cylindrical, tapered, conical, frustoconical, combinations thereof, and the like.

The term “preformed” as used herein, refers to an object that has been formed into the condition in which it is used prior to its use. This is in contrast to a sheet of material, which does not have a formed shape in absence of an object. A sheet of material requires that it be formed about an object, whereas a preformed cover or container is provided with seals, folds or the like which provide the cover or container with its preformed shape; optionally, the preformed cover or container may be formed of a material which has shape-sustaining characteristics that maintain the cover or container in its preformed shape in the absence of an object disposed therein.

The terms “polymer film” and “polymeric film”, as used herein, refer to polymers of natural or artificial origin, such as a man-made polymer such as a polypropylene or a naturally occurring polymer such as cellophane. A polymer film is relatively strong and will not tear as easily as paper or foil.

The term “conformation induction member” as used herein will be understood to include any element that connects the first and second panels of the container at least one point apart from the first and second edges and the lower end of the container, and which functions to induce a lower portion of the container to assume a desired conformation and control the contour of the container when filled. Any of the containers constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) are provided with one or more conformation induction member(s). The conformation induction member(s) is activated when the container is opened and an item is disposed in at least a lower portion of the container, wherein the weight and/or volume of the item in combination with the conformation induction member(s) substantially controls the contour of the filled container. The conformation induction member specifically modifies the shape of the filled container so that the container assumes a conformation in the filled condition that is different from the container's conformation in an empty condition.

The conformation induction member(s) of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) may be, for example but not by way of limitation, seals, welds, adhesives, cohesive, stitches, clamps, rings, or any other element that connects the two panels as described herein above, as well as any combination thereof. In addition, the conformation induction member(s) of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) may comprise a continuous element (i.e., a continuous seal or continuous weld), or may comprise a series of non-continuous elements, such as but not limited to, dots, spots or lines (i.e., multiple spots of seals/welds or multiple lines of seals/welds).

The conformation induction members of the presently disclosed and claimed invention connect two points on a perimeter surface of the sidewall of the container (i.e., connect the first and second panels of the container to one another). This connection may occur at one of the side edges of the container and extend to the bottom of the container. Alternatively, this connection may occur at the bottom of the container and extend to one of the side edges of the container. In another alternative, this connection may occur at one of the side edges of the container and extend only partially, so that the connection does not extend to the bottom of the container. In yet another alternative, this connection may occur at the bottom of the container and extend only partially, so that the connection does not extend to one of the side edges of the container. In a further alternative, the connection is in a position apart from the side edges and bottom of the container, and the connection does not extend to either the side edges or the bottom of the container.

As mentioned above, the containers of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) may be provided with one or more conformation induction member(s). The addition of multiple conformation induction members provides the ability to more precisely control the contour of the lower portion/lower end of the container. For example, it may be desired to provide the container with a cylindrical bottom, and the addition of two or more conformation induction member(s) would allow more control of the contour of the lower end so that it may assume a substantially cylindrical shape.

The terms “item” and “object” are used interchangeably herein and will be understood to include any article, composition or substance that is capable of being packaged in a container of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). The item utilized in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) may be for example but not by way of limitation, a solid material, a liquid material, a gaseous material, a flowable material, a granular material, and any combination thereof. The material may possess any desired consistency, including but not limited to, fluid, cream, lotion, gel, paste, powdered, aerosol, and the like. In a particular example, the item may be a food product, such as but not limited to, a liquid food product (i.e., drinking fluids, including water, milk, tea, soda, wine, alcohols, juices, energy drinks and the like; and other fluids such as oils, alcohols, vinegars, dressings, batters, and the like); a powdered food product (i.e., sugars, flours, sodas, powdered drinks, mixes, coffee, and the like); a granular food product (i.e., beans, rice, pasta, cereal, oatmeal, coffee, and the like); and any other food product capable of being packaged in this manner (i.e., rice cakes, fruit, bread, other perishable and non-perishable grocery items, and the like). In other non-limiting examples, the item may be a cosmetic product (i.e., perfume, makeup, moisturizer, and the like), a personal care product (i.e., soap, deodorant, hair products, and the like); a household or other consumable product (i.e., inks, paints, resins, and the like), a cleaning product (i.e., laundry and dishwashing detergents, surface cleaners, air fresheners, and the like); an automotive product (i.e., cleaning products, oil, liquids, and the like); a medical composition/drug; a medical device; a decorative living or artificial item (i.e., floral grouping, plant, potted plant, and the like); and any other product capable of being packaging in this manner. Further, the item may include combinations of any of the above.

The terms “substantially below a lower end” and “primarily below a lower end” are used interchangeably herein and will be understood to refer a position that is adjacent and contiguous to a lower end.

The term “bonding material” as used herein refers to any type of material or thing which can be used to effect the bonding or connecting of two adjacent portions of material or sheets of material to effect the connection or bonding described herein. For example but not by way of limitation, the term “bonding material” as used herein may refer to adhesives; cohesives; ties; labels; bands; ribbons; strings; tapes; staples; a piece of wire, tie wrap or twist ties; heat sealable, sonic sealable and vibratory sealable materials; shrinkable materials; barbs, slots, holes, cuts, or other barb-type fastening means or clamps; and combinations of any of the above or any other device capable of gathering the sleeve to removably or substantially permanently connect the container to an object and/or form a crimped portion and secure the crimped portion formed in the container which may be secured about an object disposed therein.

The term “bonding material” may refer to an adhesive, preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a cohesive. Where the bonding material is a cohesive, a similar cohesive material must be disposed on an adjacent surface for bonding contact between the two surfaces. “Bonding material” may also refer to materials which are sonic sealable and vibratory sealable. The term “bonding material” may also refer to a heat sealing lacquer which may be applied to the sheet of material and, in this instance, heat, sound waves, or vibrations, also must be applied to effect the sealing. Furthermore, the term “bonding material” may also refer to any heat or chemically shrinkable material, any electrical means, magnetic means, mechanical or barb-type fastening means or clamps, curl-type characteristics of the film or materials incorporated in the material which can cause the material to take on certain shapes, and any type of welding method which may weld portions of the container to itself or to the item disposed therein, or to both the container itself and the item disposed therein.

The term “band” when used herein refers to any material which may be secured about an object such as a container and/or an item disposed therein, such bands commonly being referred to as elastic bands, rubber bands or non-elastic bands and may also refer to any other type of material such as an elastic or non-elastic string or elastic piece of material, non-elastic piece of material, a round piece of material, a flat piece of material, a ribbon, a piece of paper strip, a piece of plastic strip, a piece of wire, a tie wrap or a twist tie or combinations thereof or any other device capable of gathering the sleeve to removably or substantially permanently form a crimped portion and secure the crimped portion formed in the container which may be secured about an object disposed therein. “Band” may also refer to a bow if desired in a particular application.

The term “bonding material” may be used interchangeably herein with the terms “banding element” and “securing element”.

The term “detaching element” as used herein means any element, or combination of elements, which enable the tearing away or detachment of one object or portion of an object from another object or portion of an object. For example, in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), a “detaching element” may demarcate a packaging container into an upper portion and a lower portion. Examples of detaching elements that may be utilized in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) include, but are not limited to, perforations, tear strips, zippers, score lines, adhesive and any other devices or elements known in the art, or any combination thereof, which enables the detachment of a portion of an object from another portion of the object.

The term “flower pot cover” as used herein refers to a decorative covering for floral groupings, flower pots, soil or the like and combinations thereof. The flower pot cover may be formed by wrapping a sheet of material about the floral grouping/flower pot, or the flower pot cover may be preformed into a desired shape that is capable of accepting the floral grouping/flower pot. Alternatively, the flower pot cover may assume a relatively tubular shape, commonly referred to in the art as a “sleeve”.

The term “flower pot” or “pot”, as used herein, refers to containers used for holding floral groupings or potted plants. Examples of such flower pots are clay pots, plastic pots and the like. The flower pot defines a receiving space adapted to receive floral groupings. The floral grouping may be disposed within the receiving space of the flower pot along with a suitable growing medium, a floral foam or combinations thereof. It will also be understood that in some cases the floral grouping, and any appropriate growing medium or other retaining medium, may be disposed in a flower pot cover without the flower pot if the flower pot cover is adapted to contain the growing medium.

The term “floral grouping” as used herein will be understood to include cut fresh flowers, artificial flowers, a single flower, other fresh and/or artificial plants or other floral materials and may include other secondary plants and/or ornamentation or artificial or natural materials which add to the aesthetics of the overall floral arrangement. In one embodiment, the floral grouping may comprise a bloom or foliage portion and a stem portion. However, it will be appreciated that the floral grouping may consist of only a single bloom or only foliage (not shown). The term “floral grouping” may be used interchangeably herein with the term “floral arrangement”.

The term “growing medium” when used herein means any liquid, solid or gaseous material used for plant growth or for the cultivation of propagules, including organic and inorganic materials such as soil, humus, perlite, vermiculite, sand, water, and including the nutrients, fertilizers or hormones or combinations thereof required by the plants or propagules for growth.

The term “botanical item” when used herein means a natural or artificial herbaceous or woody plant, taken singly or in combination. The term “botanical item” also means any portion or portions of natural or artificial herbaceous or woody plants including stems, leaves, flowers, blossoms, buds, blooms, cones, or roots, taken singly or in combination, or in groupings of such portions such as bouquet or floral grouping.

The term “propagule” when used herein means any structure capable of being propagated or acting as an agent of reproduction including seeds, shoots, stems, runners, tubers, plants, leaves, roots or spores.

Description of FIGS. 1-2 Prior Art

The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) overcomes multiple disadvantages and defects of the prior art. For example, shown in FIG. 1A is a typical non-gusseted container or sleeve of the prior art. In said container, the lower end is provided with a linear configuration and the side edges extend therefrom at an angle. When an item is disposed in said container, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the lower end does not completely conform to the configuration of a lower end of the item; instead, portions of the lower end at the edges which attach to the sidewall of the container extend outwardly from the container and beyond the lower end of the item. Said outwardly extending portions can be unsightly and unattractive.

To overcome this problem, packaging containers have been provided with various types of gussets in the lower end thereof. Sleeves having an inwardly folded gusset are known in the art. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, containers have previously been provided with what has been termed an “external gusset”. Said external gusset is formed by providing the lower end of the container with a half hexagonally shaped lower end. When an item is disposed in the container, the outwardly extending portions produced in the containers shown in FIG. 1 are not produced. However, the process for producing this container has a decreased production speed and increased tooling costs; in addition, the increased number of seals in the container results in an increase in the areas of the container that may leak. Therefore, there is a need for new and improved configurations of packaging containers that have increased production speed and decreased tooling costs associated with the production thereof when compared to the prior art, and that are substantially fluid retaining.

Description of FIGS. 3-9 Various Configurations of Confirmation Induction Members

Therefore, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is directed to a new and improved container configuration that overcomes the disadvantages and defects in the prior art. Said containers exhibit multiple advantages over the prior art, including but not limited to, enhanced production speed and reduced tooling costs as well as a reduction in areas of the container that may leak. Particular embodiments of the container of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will be described in detail herein below; however, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is not limited to the particular configurations shown herein below, and that any container configuration that possesses conformation induction members falls within the scope of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s).

Shown in FIG. 3 is a container 50 that is constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). The container 50 is preformed and has an upper end 52, a lower end 54, and a sidewall 56 extending therebetween. The container is further provided with an outer peripheral surface 58, an inner peripheral surface 60 (see FIG. 10), wherein the inner peripheral surface 60 defines a receiving space 61 (FIG. 10) into which at least one item may be disposed. The sidewall 56 is formed of a first panel 62 and a second panel 64 (FIG. 10) that are connected together at a first edge 66 and a second edge 68. When in the flattened condition, the lower end 54 of the container 50 may be provided with a first end 70 and a second end 72. The first end 70 is connected to the first edge 66 of the sidewall 56, and the second end 72 is connected to the second edge 68 of the sidewall 56.

Although the upper end 52 is shown in FIG. 3 as having a linear configuration, it will be understood that the upper end 52 may have any linear or non-linear pattern or combinations thereof, such as but not by way of limitation, geometric or non-geometric patterns, for example, contoured, curved, scalloped, pointed, sine wave, arced, toothed, angular, crenelate, crenate, crenulate, starred, and the like. Alternatively, the upper end 52 may have a configuration comprising a combination of a linear and non-linear pattern or an irregular pattern. In addition, the lower end 54 may also be provided with any configuration described herein above.

The container 50 is initially formed in a flattened condition and is openable therefrom. In one embodiment, the container 50 is formed by using a pair of webs of material such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,798, issued to Weder et al., on Oct. 8, 1996, entitled “Apparatus for Forming Sleeves”, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. In the flattened condition, the first and second sidewall edges 66 and 68 may extend angularly away from the lower end 54 at any angle, or any combination of angles. In one embodiment, the first and second sidewall edges 66 and 68 may extend away from the lower end 54 such that the container 50 is provided with a tapered configuration. It should also be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the first and second sidewall edges 66 and 68 may have a linear or nonlinear pattern.

The first and second panels 62 and 64 may be integrally formed from a single sheet of material or may be extruded and/or molded as one. Therefore, the first and second edges 66 and 68 are to be understood to not be limited to specific connections or seals, but rather represent delineation points between the first and second panels 62 and 64 that are evident when the container 50 is in a flattened condition.

The container 50 is also provided with a first conformation induction member 74 that extends generally downwardly from the first edge 66 of the sidewall 56. The first conformation induction member 74 connects the first and second panels 62 and 64 of the sidewall 56 at least one point on the inner peripheral surface 60 interior to the first edge 66.

The container 50 is also provided with a second conformation induction member 76 that extends generally downwardly from the second edge 68 of the sidewall 56. The second conformation induction member 77 connects the first and second panels 62 and 64 of the sidewall 56 at least one point on the inner peripheral surface 60 interior to the second edge 68.

The material from which the containers of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) may be constructed may be a single layer of material or a plurality of layers of the same or different types of materials. The layers of material may be laminated together or connected together by any method known in the art. The containers may be formed of any material capable of use in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). Non-limiting examples of materials from which the containers of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) include, but are not limited to, paper (untreated and treated in any manner), metal, foil, polymeric film, fabric (woven, non-woven, synthetic or natural), cardboard, fiber, cloth, burlap or laminations and combinations thereof. The term “polymeric film” as used herein refers to a film formed of synthetic polymers, such as polypropylene, or naturally occurring polymers, such as cellophane, which are relatively strong and not subject to tearing (substantially non-tearable). Various types of “polymeric films” are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,991, issued to Weder et al. on May 17, 1994, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

If desired, the containers produced in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) may also be provided with at least one of a color, design and/or decorative pattern disposed on at least a portion thereof. The color(s), design(s) and/or pattern(s) may be disposed on the containers of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) by any method known in the art, including but not limited to, printing, etching, embossing, texturing, flocking, coating, lacquering, application during extrusion, and the like. The color(s), design(s) and/or pattern(s) may be applied separately or simultaneously or may be characterized totally or partially by pearlescent, translucent, transparent, iridescent, optical effect, paper like, cloth like, or other similar qualities, or may be a graphic image selected from the group consisting of a rendering of at least a portion of a masterpiece work of art, a rendering of at least a portion of a work of art of a Great Master, a rendering of at least a portion of a musical score, and combinations thereof. Each of the above-named characteristics may occur alone or in combination and may be applied to a portion of an inner peripheral surface and/or an outer peripheral surface of the containers. Moreover, when the container comprises two or more layers of material, each of the layers of material may vary in the combination of such characteristics.

In addition, when the container is provided with two or more design(s) and/or pattern(s), the design(s) and/or pattern(s) may be in register with one another or out of register with one another. Alternatively, a portion of the two or more design(s) and/or pattern(s) may be in register with one another, while another portion of the two or more design(s) and/or pattern(s) may be out of register with one another.

The term “optical effect material” as used herein is to be understood to mean any material capable of changing appearance, such as perspective and/or color, as the angle of view of such material changes. Optical effect materials include, but are not limited to, iridescent materials, materials having one or more holograms and the like. Examples of floral packaging materials having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of cloth have previously been disclosed by the inventor in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,576,089, issued Nov. 19, 1996; 5,634,318, issued Jun. 3, 1997; 5,701,720, issued Dec. 30, 1997; 5,727,362, issued Mar. 17, 1998; 5,775,057, issued Jul. 7, 1998; and 5,921,061, issued Jul. 13, 1999. The entire contents of each of the above-referenced patents are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

The term “cloth-like” will be used interchangeably herein with the term “texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth”. Examples of floral packaging materials having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of cloth have previously been disclosed by the inventor in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,324,813, issued Dec. 4, 2001; 6,387,463, issued May 14, 2002; 6,463,717, issued Oct. 15, 2002; 6,495,248, issued Dec. 17, 2002; 6,565,958, issued May 20, 2003; 6,565,963, issued May 20, 2003; 6,579,603, issued Jun. 17, 2003; 6,598,372, issued Jul. 29, 2003; 6,702,919, issued Mar. 9, 2004; 6,706,379, issued Mar. 16, 2004; 6,708,464, issued Mar. 23, 2004; 6,715,261, issued Apr. 6, 2004; 6,720,051, issued Apr. 13, 2004; and 6,723,417, issued Apr. 20, 2004. The entire contents of each of the above-referenced patents are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

The term “paper-like” will be used interchangeably herein with the term “texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of paper”. Examples of floral packaging materials having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of paper have previously been disclosed by the inventor in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,365,251, issued Apr. 2, 2002; 6,401,430, issued Jun. 11, 2002; 6,403,207, issued Jun. 11, 2002; 6,425,224, issued Jul. 30, 2002; 6,521,307, issued Feb. 18, 2003; 6,613,409, issued Sep. 2, 2003; 6,755,006, issued Jun. 29, 2004; 6,884,484, issued Apr. 26, 2005; and 6,887,545, issued May 3, 2005. The entire contents of each of the above-referenced patents are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

The term “masterpiece work of art” is defined herein as any product of one of the fine arts, such as a painting or a photograph that is widely recognizable by the public and can generally be said to provide aesthetic satisfaction to the viewer. The term “rendering of at least a portion of a masterpiece work of art” not only includes exact reproductions of an original work but will also include reproductions and partial reproductions that resemble an original masterpiece work of art, such as a forgery or an imitation, works that contain an adoption of a general style of artistic expression that is recognizable, such as the Impressionist style of painting, and works that include alterations to a famous work, such as a negative image of a work, a change in coloration of a work, or the addition of a person, object or logo to a work. The term “works of the Great Masters” is to be understood to mean a work of art produced by an artist generally associated with at least one of the historical periods or movements. Examples of floral packaging materials produced using with such graphic images have previously been disclosed by the inventor in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,510,650, issued Jan. 28, 2003; 6,691,457, issued Feb. 17, 2004; and 6,678,998, issued Jan. 20, 2004. The entire contents of each of the above-referenced patents are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Shown in FIG. 4 is another embodiment of a container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). Said container is generally indicated by the reference numeral 50 a and is similar to the container 50 of FIG. 3 except as described herein below. The container 50 a is provided with an upper end 52 a, a lower end 54 a, a sidewall 56 a comprising a first panel 62 a and a second panel 64 a, an outer peripheral surface 58 a, an inner peripheral surface (not shown) and a receiving space (not shown). The first and second panels 62 a and 64 a are connected together at a first edge 66 a and a second edge 68 a. In the flattened condition, the lower end 54 a comprises a first end 70 a (connected to the first edge 66 a) and a second end 72 a (connected to the second edge 68 a). The container 50 a also comprises a first conformation induction member 74 a and a second conformation induction member 76 a.

The container 50 a of FIG. 4 differs from the container 50 of FIG. 3 in the configuration of the conformation induction members 74 a and 76 a. The first conformation induction member 74 a is connected to the lower end 54 a at a position between the first and second ends 70 a and 72 a thereof, and the first conformation induction member 74 a extends generally upwardly towards the first edge 66 a of the sidewall 56 a. The first conformation induction member 74 a connects the first and second panels 62 a and 64 a at least one point on the inner peripheral surface 60 a interior to the first edge 66 a of the sidewall 56 a. The second conformation induction member 76 a is connected to the lower end 54 a at a position between the first and second ends 70 a and 72 a thereof, and the second conformation induction member 76 a extends generally upwardly towards the second edge 68 a of the sidewall 56 a. The second conformation induction member 76 a connects the first and second panels 62 a and 64 a at least one point on the inner peripheral surface 60 a interior to the second edge 68 a of the sidewall 56 a.

Shown in FIG. 5 is another embodiment of a container constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). Said container is generally indicated by the reference numeral 50 b and is similar to the containers 50 and 50 a of FIGS. 3-4 except as described herein below. The container 50 b is provided with an upper end 52 b, a lower end 54 b, a sidewall 56 b comprising a first panel 62 b and a second panel 64 b, an outer peripheral surface 58 b, an inner peripheral surface (not shown) and a receiving space (not shown). The first and second panels 62 b and 64 b are connected together at a first edge 66 b and a second edge 68 b. In the flattened condition, the lower end 54 b comprises a first end 70 b (connected to the first edge 66 b) and a second end 72 b (connected to the second edge 68 b). The container 50 b also comprises a first conformation induction member 74 b and a second conformation induction member 76 b.

The container 50 b of FIG. 5 differs from the containers 50 and 50 a of FIGS. 3-4 in the configuration of the conformation induction members 74 b and 76 b. The first conformation induction member 74 b is connected to the lower end 54 b at a position between the first and second ends 70 b and 72 b thereof, and the first conformation induction member 74 b extends generally upwardly from the lower end 54 b to the first edge 66 b of the sidewall 56 b. Likewise, the second conformation induction member 76 b is connected to the lower end 54 b at a position between the first and second ends 70 b and 72 b thereof, and the second conformation induction member 76 b extends generally upwardly from the lower end 54 b to the second edge 68 b of the sidewall 56 b.

Any of the containers 50, 50 a and 50 b described herein above may be provided with various changes to their configurations and may comprise additional elements not shown in FIGS. 3-5. FIGS. 6-9 depict various elements that may be utilized with any of the containers 50-50 b or any other containers described herein. FIG. 6 depicts a container 50 c that is similar to any of the containers 50, 50 a and 50 b, except that an upper end 52 c of container 50 c is provided with a curved or scalloped configuration. FIGS. 7 and 8 depict containers 50 d and 50 e that are demarcated into upper and lower portions by a detaching element. In FIG. 7, the container 50 d is provided with an upper portion 78 and a lower portion 80 that are separable via a detaching element 82. The detachment of the upper portion 78 provides an upper end 52 d of the container 50 d, wherein the upper end 52 d is provided with a linear configuration. Similarly, FIG. 8 also depicts a container 50 e having upper and lower portions 78 e and 80 e separable via a detaching element 82 e, except that detachment of the upper portion 78 e provides an upper end 52 e having a contoured or scalloped configuration.

FIG. 9 depicts yet another element that could be added to any of the containers constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). Container 50 f is depicted as having a skirt insert or extension 84 having an upper end 86. The skirt insert or extension 84 is further depicted as extending beyond an upper end 52 f of a body of the container 501. However, it is to be understood that the upper end 86 of the skirt insert or extension 84 may be substantially flush with or disposed below the upper end 52 f of the body of the container 50 f. In one embodiment, the skirt insert or extension 84 may be attached or laminated via a seal to portions of a first panel 62 f and/or a second panel 64 f of the container 50 f. The skirt insert or extension 84 may be constructed of a material which is different from the material used to construct the remainder of the container 501, or may be constructed of a material which has a different color or pattern but which is otherwise similar to the material used to construct the remainder of the container 50 f.

In one alternative, the skirt insert or extension 84 may be attached to only one of the first panel 62 f or the second panel 64 f of the container 50 f rather than to both the first and second panels 62 f and 64 f. Further, any of the containers described herein may be constructed to have a skirt insert such as the skirt insert 84. In addition, any of the containers described herein may have more than one skirt insert. Any of the containers described herein may have two or more skirt inserts, and in this instance, each of the skirt inserts may be disposed above, below or substantially flush with an upper end of a body of the container, and each of the skirt inserts may be constructed of the same or different materials or materials having different colors or patterns. Further description of the use of a skirt insert or extension with a container can be found in US Published Application No. 2003/0066265, published to Weder et al. on Apr. 10, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

It will also be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that although the location of the seal connecting the skirt insert 84 is described above as being positioned near the upper end 52 f, the seal connecting the skirt extension 84 to the container 50 f may in fact be positioned at any location below the upper end 52 f and above a lower end 54 f and at any position on an inner and/or outer surface 58 f or 60 f of the container 50 f. Further, the skirt insert 84 may be attached after the container 50 f has been formed, or before the material has been formed into container 501 by a container forming apparatus. In other words, the separate materials used to construct the container 50 f and the skirt insert 84 may be laminated or otherwise connected together while the webs of material are in a flattened, unformed condition. Where used herein, the term “skirt insert” may also be used interchangeably with the term “skirt extension” in that the “skirt insert” may not actually have been “inserted” into the container but may have been “pre-attached” by lamination as described above.

As noted above, any of the containers described herein may comprise a skirt insert. In those container embodiments having both a skirt insert and an upper portion sized to surround and enclose a floral grouping, and/or for supporting the container from a support assembly or as an attachment within a pad, the upper portion may be attached to the body, to the skirt portion, or to the skirt insert of the container.

Description of FIGS. 10-12 Use of Any of the Containers of FIGS. 3-9

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate the use of any of the containers 50-50 f constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). While said Figures are shown with reference to container 50 b, it is to be understood that any of the containers shown or otherwise described herein will function in the same manner, and thus the use of container 50 b is not to be construed as limiting.

In FIG. 10, an item 90 is partially disposed in the container 50 b. The item 90 is provided with an upper end 92, a lower end 94 and a sidewall 96. As can be seen, the item 90 is disposed within the receiving space 61 b of the container 50 b.

In FIG. 11, the item 90 is almost completely disposed in the container 50 b. As can be seen, the lower end 54 b of the container 50 b no longer possesses a linear configuration, as the conformation induction members 74 b and 76 b are inducing the lower portion of the container 50 b to assume a desired conformation in response to the volume of the item 90 disposed in the receiving space 61 b of the container 50 b. In this manner, the first end 70 b and second end 72 b are being pulled inward until they are disposed in a position that is substantially below and contiguous to a lower end 94 of the item 90.

FIG. 12 illustrates the item 90 completely disposed in the container 50 b, as the lower end 94 of the item 90 is disposed upon a support surface. The first and second ends 70 b and 72 b (respectively) are disposed underneath the lower end 94 of the item 90 and thus do not form the unsightly outwardly extending portions of the prior art (see FIG. 1C). Rather, the filled container 50 b assumes the contour of the item 90. The contour of the filled container 50 b is thus controlled by the conformation induction members 74 b and 76 b and the weight and/or volume of the item 90.

Description of FIGS. 13-18

FIGS. 13-15 depict containers 100, 100 a and 100 b, respectively, that are constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). The containers 100, 100 a and 100 b are similar to the containers 50-50 f described herein above, except that the containers 100, 100 a and 100 b of FIGS. 13-15 only possess one conformation induction member.

Shown in FIG. 13 is a container 100 that is constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). The container 100 has an upper end 102, a lower end 104, and a sidewall 106 extending therebetween. The container is further provided with an outer peripheral surface 108, an inner peripheral surface 110 (see FIG. 16), wherein the inner peripheral surface 110 defines a receiving space 112 (FIG. 16) into which at least one item may be disposed. The sidewall 106 is formed of a first panel 114 and a second panel 116 (FIG. 16) that are connected together at a first edge 118 and a second edge 120. When in the flattened condition, the lower end 104 of the container may be provided with a first end 122 and a second end 124. The first end 122 is connected to the first edge 118 of the sidewall 106, and the second end 124 is connected to the second edge 120 of the sidewall 106.

The container 100 is also provided with a conformation induction member 126 that extends generally downwardly from the first edge 118 of the sidewall 106 to the first end 124 of the lower end 104.

Shown in FIG. 14 is a container 100 a similar to the container 100, except that a conformation induction member 126 a thereof extends generally downwardly from a first edge 118 a of a sidewall 106 a thereof, and connects first and second panels 114 a and 116 a (FIG. 17) of the sidewall 106 a at least one point on an inner peripheral surface 110 a (FIG. 17) interior to a second edge 120 a.

Shown in FIG. 15 is a container 100 b similar to the containers 100 and 100 a, except that a conformation induction member 126 b thereof extends generally downwardly from a first edge 118 b of a sidewall 106 b thereof and is connected to a lower end 104 b of the container 100 b at a position between first and second ends 122 b and 124 b thereof.

FIG. 16 depicts at least one item 128 being disposed in the receiving space 112 of the container 100. A lower end 130 of the item 128 is disposed upon a support surface. The filled container 100 assumes the contour of the item 128. The contour of the filled container 100 is thus controlled by the conformation induction member 126 and the weight and/or volume of the item 128.

FIG. 17 depicts at least one item 128 a being disposed in the receiving space 112 a of the container 100 a. A lower end 130 a of the item 128 a is disposed upon a support surface. The filled container 100 a assumes the contour of the item 128 a. The contour of the filled container 100 a is thus controlled by the conformation induction member 126 a and the weight and/or volume of the item 128 a.

FIG. 18 depicts at least one item 128 b being disposed in the receiving space 112 b of the container 100 b. A lower end 130 b of the item 128 b is disposed upon a support surface. The filled container 100 b assumes the contour of the item 128 b. The contour of the filled container 100 b is thus controlled by the conformation induction member 126 b and the weight and/or volume of the item 128 b.

Description of FIGS. 19-22

While the containers of FIGS. 3-18 have been illustrated herein as having one or two conformation induction members, it is to be understood that the containers of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) may be provided with three or more conformation induction members. The addition of multiple conformation induction members provides greater control of the contour of the lower portion of the filled container.

Shown in FIGS. 19-22 is a container 140 that is constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). The container 140 is similar to any of the containers 50-50 f and 100-100 b as described herein above, except that the container 140 is provided with more than two conformation induction members.

The container 140 has an upper end 142, a lower end 144, and a sidewall 146 extending therebetween. The container is further provided with an outer peripheral surface 148 and an inner peripheral surface 150 (FIG. 21), wherein the inner peripheral surface 150 defines a receiving space 152 (FIG. 21) into which at least one item may be disposed. The sidewall 146 is formed of a first panel 154 and a second panel 156 that are connected together at a first edge 158 and a second edge 160. When in the flattened condition, the lower end 144 of the container may be provided with a first end 162 and a second end 164. The first end 162 is connected to the first edge 158 of the sidewall 146, and the second end 164 is connected to the second edge 160 of the sidewall 146.

The container 140 is also provided with four conformation induction members: a first conformation induction member 166, a second conformation induction member 168, a third conformation induction member 170, and a fourth conformation induction member 172.

The placement of the first and second conformation induction members 166 and 168 is similar to the placement of the first and second conformation induction members 74 b and 76 b of the container 50 b of FIG. 5; that is, the first conformation induction member 166 is connected to the lower end 144 at a position between the first and second ends 162 and 164 thereof, and the first conformation induction member 166 extends generally upwardly from the lower end 144 to the first edge 158 of the sidewall 146. Likewise, the second conformation induction member 168 is connected to the lower end 144 at a position between the first and second ends 162 and 164 thereof, and the second conformation induction member 168 extends generally upwardly from the lower end 144 to the second edge 160 of the sidewall 144.

The third conformation induction member 170 extends from a portion of the first panel 154, intersects that lower end 144 and connects to a portion of the second panel 156. In this manner, the third conformation induction member 170 intersects the lower end 144 and is disposed at an angle thereto; for example but not by way of limitation, the third conformation induction member 170 is depicted in FIG. 19 as being disposed perpendicular to the lower end 144 of the container 140. The portion of the third conformation induction member 170 that extends from the portion of the first panel 154 to the lower end 144 connects a portion of the first panel 154 to itself, while the portion of the third conformation induction member 170 that extends from the lower end 144 to the portion of the second panel 156 connects a portion of the second panel 156 to itself.

In the same manner, the fourth conformation induction member 172 extends from a portion of the first panel 154, intersects that lower end 144 and connects to a portion of the second panel 156. In this manner, the fourth conformation induction member 172 intersects the lower end 144 and is disposed at an angle thereto; for example but not by way of limitation, the fourth conformation induction member 172 is depicted in FIG. 19 as being disposed perpendicular to the lower end 144 of the container 140. The portion of the fourth conformation induction member 172 that extends from the portion of the first panel 154 to the lower end 144 connects a portion of the first panel 154 to itself, while the portion of the fourth conformation induction member 172 that extends from the lower end 144 to the portion of the second panel 156 connects a portion of the second panel 156 to itself.

In FIGS. 20 and 21, at least one item 174 having an upper end 176 and a lower end 178 is depicted as being disposed in the container 140. In FIG. 20, the container 140 having the item 174 disposed therein is depicted as being placed upon its side on a support surface (whereby the second panel 156 is contact with the support surface), so that the placement of the conformation induction members 166, 168, 170 and 172, as well as the placement of the first and second ends 162 and 164 of the lower end 144, can be easily viewed. In FIG. 21, the lower end 144 of the container 140 is disposed upon a support surface. As can be seen in these two Figures, the filled container 140 assumes the contour of the item 174. The contour of the filled container 140 is thus controlled by the conformation induction members 166, 168, 170 and 172 and the weight and/or volume of the item 174. The use of the four conformation induction members 166, 168, 170 and 172 provides greater control of the contour of the lower portion of the filled container 140.

Any of the containers constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) may further be secured about an item disposed therein via a securing element, such as a bonding material. For the purposes of illustration only, FIG. 22 depicts the container 140 secured about the item 174 via a bonding material 180. However, it is to be understood that a bonding material may be utilized in a similar fashion with any of the containers 50-50 f and 100-100 b as well as any other container contemplated herein.

The bonding material 180 is depicted in FIG. 22 as being disposed about the container 140 at a position above the upper end 176 of the item 174 so as to secure the container 140 about the item 174. However, it is to be understood that the bonding material 180 may be disposed adjacent or below the upper end 176 of the item 174 and thus adjacent the at least one item 174.

Thus, in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), there has been provided containers having conformation induction members, as well we methods for producing and using same. Although the presently claimed and disclosed inventive concept(s) has been described in conjunction with the specific drawings and language set forth above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). 

1. A container for packaging an item, the container comprising: a base having an upper end, a lower end, a sidewall, an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface, and a receiving space, the sidewall formed of a first panel and a second panel that are connected together at a first edge and a second edge, a first end and a second end when the container is in a flattened condition, the first end of the lower end connected to the first edge of the sidewall and the second end of the lower end connected to the second edge of the sidewall; a conformation induction member extending generally downwardly from at least one of the first and second edges of the sidewall and connecting the first and second panels of the sidewall at least one point apart from the at least one of the first and second edges; and wherein when an item is disposed in the container, the first and second ends of the lower end are disposed substantially below and adjacent a lower end of the item, whereby the combination of the conformation induction member and the item disposed in the container substantially control the contour of the filled container.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the conformation induction member extends to a position on the lower end of the container between the first and second ends thereof.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein the conformation induction member is a seal.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the conformation induction member comprises a plurality of seals.
 5. A method of packaging an item, comprising the steps of: providing the container of claim 1; providing an item; and disposing the item within the inner retaining space of the container, whereby the first and second ends of the lower end are disposed substantially below a lower end of the item, whereby the combination of the conformation induction member and the item disposed in the container substantially control the contour of the filled container.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein, in the step of providing the container, the conformation induction member of the container extends to a position on the lower end of the container between the first and second ends thereof.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the conformation induction member is a seal.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the conformation induction member comprises a plurality of seals.
 9. The method of claim 5 wherein, in the step of disposing the item within the container, a lower portion of the container substantially conforms to the configuration of a lower portion of the item.
 10. The method of claim 5 wherein, in the steps of providing a container and providing an item, the container is further defined as a sleeve and the item is further defined as a flower pot.
 11. The method of claim 5 wherein, in the step of providing an item, the item comprises a flowable material.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the flowable material is selected from the group consisting of solid materials, liquid materials, gaseous materials and combinations thereof.
 13. The method of claim 5 wherein, in the step of providing an item, the item comprises a granular material.
 14. The method of claim 5 wherein, in the step of providing an item, the item comprises a food product.
 15. A container for packaging an item, the container comprising: a base having an upper end, a lower end, a sidewall, an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface, and a receiving space, the sidewall formed of a first panel and a second panel that are connected together at a first edge and a second edge, a first end and a second end when the container is in a flattened condition, the first end of the lower end connected to the first edge of the sidewall and the second end of the lower end connected to the second edge of the sidewall; a conformation induction member connected to the lower end at a position between the first and second ends thereof, the conformation induction member extending generally upwardly towards at least one of the first and second edges of the sidewall and connecting the first and second panels of the sidewall at least one point apart from the at least one of the first and second edges; and wherein when an item is disposed in the container, the first and second ends of the lower end are disposed substantially below and adjacent a lower end of the item, whereby the combination of the conformation induction member and the item disposed in the container substantially control the contour of the filled container.
 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the conformation induction member is a seal.
 17. The container of claim 15, wherein the conformation induction member comprises a plurality of seals.
 18. A method of packaging an item, comprising the steps of: providing the container of claim 15; providing an item; and disposing the item within the inner retaining space of the container, whereby the first and second ends of the lower end are disposed substantially below and adjacent a lower end of the item, whereby the combination of the conformation induction member and the item disposed in the container substantially control the contour of the filled container.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein, in the step of providing the container, the conformation induction member is a seal.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein, in the step of providing the container, the conformation induction member comprises a plurality of seals.
 21. The method of claim 18 wherein, in the step of disposing the item within the container, a lower portion of the container substantially conforms to the configuration of a lower portion of the item.
 22. The method of claim 18 wherein, in the steps of providing a container and providing an item, the container is further defined as a sleeve and the item is further defined as a flower pot.
 23. The method of claim 18 wherein, in the step of providing an item, the item comprises a flowable material.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the flowable material is selected from the group consisting of solid materials, liquid materials, gaseous materials and combinations thereof.
 25. The method of claim 18 wherein, in the step of providing an item, the item comprises a granular material.
 26. The method of claim 18 wherein, in the step of providing an item, the item comprises a food product.
 27. A container for packaging an item, the container comprising: a base having an upper end, a lower end, a sidewall, an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface, and a receiving space, the sidewall formed of a first panel and a second panel that are connected together at a first edge and a second edge, a first end and a second end when the container is in a flattened condition, the first end of the lower end connected to the first edge of the sidewall and the second end of the lower end connected to the second edge of the sidewall; a conformation induction member connecting the first and second panels of the sidewall at least one point apart from the first and second edges; and wherein when an item is disposed in the container, the first and second ends of the lower end are disposed substantially below and adjacent a lower end of the item, whereby the combination of the conformation induction member and the item disposed in the container substantially control the contour of the filled container.
 28. A method of packaging an item, comprising the steps of: providing the container of claim 27; providing an item; and disposing the item within the inner retaining space of the container, whereby the first and second ends of the lower end are disposed substantially below and adjacent a lower end of the item, whereby the combination of the conformation induction member and the item disposed in the container substantially control the contour of the filled container. 